Brownsville RFP

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Release date: 8/23/2017Submission deadline: 12/18/2017

HPD is currently reviewing submissions for a community-driven RFP seeking thematic development plans for three sites in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The development framework for these sites responds to key priorities and goals identified by the community during the Brownsville Planning process and published in the Brownsville Plan in June 2017. These priorities include the need for performance venues, rehearsal and visual arts studios, or exhibition space in the community; opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurship training; and investment in healthy lifestyles. Proposals submitted to each of the three development sites must meet the thematic goals outlined for each specific site while creating high-quality, sustainable, mixed-income, affordable housing. This RFP also includes significant reforms to HPD’s RFP selection process, which now places greater emphasis on proposals with plans for neighborhood investment, among other changes to meet the needs of communities.

Release

HPD released the RFP in August 2017. The development area offers a combined total of 173,000 square feet across three distinct sites, together offering the potential for approximately 750 units of affordable housing. The Rockaway-Chester site, known as ‘Site A’, is located along Rockaway Avenue and Chester Street, between East New York Avenue and Pitkin Avenue. The Christopher-Glenmore site, known as ‘Site B’ is located at the intersection of Christopher Avenue and Glenmore Avenue. And finally, the Livonia Avenue site, known as ‘Site C’, is comprised of a series of parcels along Livonia Avenue between Powell Street and Mother Gaston Boulevard with an additional parcel at the intersection of Livonia Avenue and Amboy Street. Each site focuses on one specific theme that addresses the community goals and strategies outlined in the Brownsville Plan.

Rockaway-Chester: Arts and CultureBrownsville has a thriving community of artists, entrepreneurs, and creative residents who contribute to the life and culture of the neighborhood and the city as a whole. The community identified the need for cultural space that will increase access and opportunities for neighborhood residents, and nurture Brownsville’s artistic community. Proposals to develop affordable housing on this 57,000 square foot lot must include a cultural community facility that promotes and supports arts and cultural activity in Brownsville. HPD is partnering with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs to review proposals for this site.

Christopher-Glenmore: Innovation and EntrepreneurshipHPD recognizes that in order to achieve more equitable and sustainable outcomes for residents, there must be established strategies for investment in the economic power of the community. Brownsville has a growing entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. Residents have expressed a desire for more resources to advance workforce and entrepreneurship opportunities in emerging fields, especially for young people. Proposals to develop affordable housing on this 40,000 square foot lot must include community facilities and/or commercial spaces that reflect the economic development theme through workforce development, education, business incubation, STEM/STEAM training, or other technology and innovation-related strategies. Affordability levels for this site will be consistent with determinations from the East New York neighborhood planning process.

Livonia Avenue: Healthy Living and Food SystemsDuring the community engagement process for the Brownsville Plan, neighborhood residents stressed the need to create opportunities to achieve healthy lifestyles, including healthy food options, opportunities to be physically active, and spaces for social gathering. Proposals to develop affordable housing on the four sites along Livonia Avenue, totaling 76,075 square feet, must include uses that promote healthy and active lifestyles for neighborhood residents. Proposals must also include commercial uses that create an active, pedestrian-friendly environment along the Livonia Avenue corridor.

HPD held a Pre-Submission Conference on Thursday, September 7th at 10 AM, at 125 Worth Street, in the second floor auditorium. Below is an Addendum that responds to questions we received during the Brownsville RFP Pre-Submission Conference and through the RFP email address:

Brownsville Informational and Networking Session

HPD held an informational and networking session for the Brownsville RFP on Tuesday, September 19th, from 4 to 6 PM at 444 Thomas S. Boyland Street in Brownsville. Click the following link to download the List of Attendees from this event: